Mini department store coming to Kettering’s High Street

A mini department store full of independent Kettering traders will open its doors next month.

The Bean Hive is taking on the old town centre Thorntons chocolate shop, which had been squatted and used as a drug den.

One of the store's rooms being renovated.

Its six main traders all met at The Yards and they hope to provide something different for Kettering’s High Street.

Owner Davina Parkhouse said: “You have got to offer something that’s an experience to compete with the likes of Amazon.

“We’re bringing something different to the High Street that will be a talking point.”

The unit has been completely transformed with several rooms over different floors that were not visible to shoppers before the £250,000 makeover.

Traders operating from The Bean Hive include Bean, which sells quirky gifts and cards influenced by the Grand Budapest Hotel, as well as American confectionary seller Randalls - described by Davina as the store’s “jewel in the crown”.

The other main retailers are Boon (fairtrade items from around the world, jewellery and handmade skincare products), Young Thinkers Guild (educational toys), Area 51 (vinyls) and Loop Thing (upcycled quirky clothing, hangers and art).

Boon and Area 51 will continue to sell some items from The Yards.

There will also be 10 craft areas and pop-up spaces for other retailers to sell products, as well as the store’s very own Bean Hive honey on offer.